"I Won’t Allow Myself to Lose" — Dubois Names Priority Opponent

IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) has opened up about his future plans, making it clear that he is eager to face WBO interim champion Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) in order to settle unfinished business between them.

At the same time, Dubois isn’t ruling out the possibility of a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs), who holds the WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles.

— Usyk called you out during the Riyadh Season show, but you said you want Parker next. You’re open to fighting Parker, Joshua, or Usyk — but Parker is your priority. Is that because you want to erase any doubts?

— Yes, that’s exactly why. People talk a lot, but I wanted to face either him or Usyk. That’s what I was aiming for even before our fight. I wanted to beat Parker to earn a shot at Usyk, and I’m still working toward that.

If there’s an opportunity to face Parker again, I’d gladly take it.

— If the Usyk rematch does happen, how different would it be from the first fight?

— I’m a different fighter now. More experienced, more mature. I’ve been through hard trials in the ring — I’ve grown tougher and stronger. I’ve learned from my mistakes, both in the ring and outside of it. Now I’m much stronger and ready for him. I won’t allow myself to lose. I simply refuse to accept that possibility.

The bout between Dubois and Parker was initially scheduled for February 22, but Dubois was forced to withdraw due to illness.